OUR TEAM
Dr Clarissa Tjoakarfa
MD, BSc (Hons), FRACGP
General Practitioner (GP)
BIOGRAPHY
Dr Clarissa Tjoakarfa is a General Practitioner (FRACGP) with a special interest in the assessment and management of dizziness, vertigo, and balance disorders. Following her Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree at the University of Melbourne, she completed several years of physician training across Victoria and Queensland, gaining extensive experience in general medicine, neurology, emergency medicine, paediatrics, and women's health.
Throughout her hospital and general practice career, Clarissa recognised the significant impact that dizziness and balance disorders can have on a person's quality of life. She also observed that these conditions are often challenging to diagnose and manage in primary care, sparking a strong interest in further training within this field.
Clarissa is passionate about improving access to comprehensive, evidence-based assessment and management for patients experiencing vestibular and balance-related conditions. She combines her broad medical knowledge with a patient-centred approach, working closely with patients to understand the underlying cause of their symptoms and develop practical management strategies that help restore confidence, function, and quality of life.
Special Interests
Diagnosis and management of chronic vestibular disorders
Multidisciplinary management and clinical rehabilitation of vertigo and balance disorders
The use of mechanical repositioning chairs in the management and diagnosis of positional vertigo
Sub-Specialised Training
- Specialised training with a neuro-otologist (2026)
Registrar Training
General Medical Registrar (Western Health, Albury Base Hospital, Ballarat Base Hospital)
Neurology Registrar (Ballarat Base Hospital)
Awards & Career Achievements
D R Leslie Prize for best clinical registrar paper at the Annual Scientific Meeting (2014)
University of Melbourne RD Wright Summer Research Studentship (2009)
Conference Attendance
Interacoustics - Vestibular Connect 2026
Bárány Society Meeting 2026
NOTSA Brisbane 2026
IN THEIR OWN WORDS
Personal Q&As
Why did you choose this profession?
After initially pursuing physician training and working across a range of hospital specialties, I realised that what I enjoyed most was building long-term relationships with patients and helping them navigate their health over time. General practice allows me to care for the whole person, not just a specific condition, while still tackling complex diagnostic challenges. Dizziness and vertigo are among the most challenging and distressing presentations in medicine. As a GP within this clinic, I can provide direct access to assessment and management without the need for a GP referral, helping patients receive answers and treatment sooner.
What is your favourite procedure or service, and why?
Definitely the Rotundum Chair. The device speaks for itself – it looks like something straight out of a flight simulator or VR gaming pod. Beyond its impressive appearance, it allows patients who have restricted mobility to have the best possible treatment for their positional vertigo.
Can you name a person, teacher or mentor along the way that taught you something important about your given field?
Dr Jane Barry, one of my GP training supervisors, was a particularly influential mentor in my career. I admired the way she connected with patients, led the practice with confidence and compassion, and earned the respect of colleagues and staff alike. What impressed me most was her ability to balance a busy and successful career with family life, while still prioritising her own health and wellbeing. Her example taught me that looking after yourself is essential for a long, sustainable, and fulfilling career in medicine. By maintaining balance and wellbeing, doctors are better equipped to provide compassionate, high-quality care to their patients for many years to come.
What are some hobbies and interests outside of work that you enjoy?
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and being thoroughly 'drained' by my two very boisterous boys. Between family adventures, we love cooking, travelling, discovering new food and cultures, and getting outdoors for hiking and nature walks.
Book an Appointment with Melbourne Balance Clinic
If you are experiencing vertigo, dizziness or balance problems, Melbourne Balance Clinic can help identify the underlying cause and guide the right treatment plan.
Contact us today to arrange an appointment.